Mechanical flash lamp



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MECHANICAL FLASH LAMP 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 4, 1944 E055 ALEX/6 ADA/"I6 J B @Amwm Qua flaw; 5%

Inventor July 9, 1946. I R. A. ADAMS 2,403,702

. Q MECHANICAL FLASH LAMP I Filed April- 4, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet -2 Roam? Aux/s ADA/-45 A no rrz {75 July 9, 1946. R. A, ADAMS 2,403,702

MECHANICAL FLASH L AMP Filed A ril 4,1944 :5 Sheets-Sheet s Inventor false/2r ALEXIS ADA/15,

Atoreys Patented July 9, 1946 UNITED' STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,403,702

MECHANICAL FLASH LAMP Robert Alexis Adams, Brawley, Calif. Application April 4, 1944, Serial No. 529,461

3 "Claims. (01. 240-4) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in mechanical illumination.

A principal object of the invention is to provide a means for flashing light through mechanical expediency, thus doing away with the use of batteries and providing a device which can be used as a distress signal by. seamen and others, or for any other desired signal use.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a mechanical device of the character stated which will be positive acting and not susceptible to the ready development of defects.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following description.

In the drawings Figure 1 represents a front elevational view of the device.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view.

Figure 3 is a rear elevational view.

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional-view taken on the line 44 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view taken substantially on the line 55 of Figure l. a

Figure 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of Figure 1. v

Figure 7 is a section taken on the line 7-1 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary detailed sectional view showing the latch means.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that depending below the lower end of the handle l4. Located within the case is a coiled band spring [1, one end of which is secured to the case l5 while its opposite end is secured to a the numeral 5 denotes aconcavo-convex-shaped reflector having a circumferential row of equally spaced slots 6 for receiving serrated wheel 1 carried by a flexible shaft 8, this shaft extending through conduit sections 9 which extend from one slot 6 to the next, as clearly shown in Figure 2. Aligned with each slot 6 is a barrel |0-suitably secured to the outer side of the re- 5 and'into this extends the flexible shaft 8 (see Figure 1). V

A spring containing cylindrical case I5 extends into the lower end of the handle M, the

lower end having a collar I B of some resilientmaterial such as rubber to permit ready grasping and rotation of the case I5, this lower portion flector 5, this barrel having a bore therethrough, one end of which receives a flint ll while the means to the wheels.

vertical rigid shaft l8. In the upper end of the case L5 is a spider I9 carrying abearing 20 for the upper portion of the rigid shaft 18. Slant- .ing teeth 2| are provided at. the upper edge of the case l5 and are adapted to be engaged by a beveled spring-pressed tooth 22.

A ratchet wheel 23 is provided on the upper end portion of the rigid shaft i8 and a flexible shaft 8 connects with thisratchet wheel 23 and the rigid shaft l8 as at 24, this representing a suitable form of coupling for the flexible shaft. Figure 3 shows a latch structure for the ratchet wheel 23 and this consists of a push button 25 operative through an opening 26 in the handle M, the inner end of this button being pivotally connected as at 21 to one end of a rocker 28, the lower end of which carries a tooth 29 engageable with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 23, it being seen in Figure 8, that a spring 30 is employed for normally urging the tooth 29 into engaged position with the ratchet Wheel 23.

It can now be seen, that the device is set by winding the spring ll, this through the operation' of rotating the spring case l5. The latch means shown in Figure 8 will hold the spring v until such time as flashlight is desired. Then,

the button 25 is pushed inwardly and this releases the tooth 29 from the ratchet wheel 23, thus releasing'the spring so that shafts l8 and 8 are rotated. The corrugated wheel 1 in rotating and striking the flint I I will produce multiple sparks which dashing inwardly of the reflector will produce quite a brilliant light.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it i to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention, claimed as new is:

'l. A flashlight comprising a reflector, a plurality of roughened wheels, a plurality of spark producing elements and means for urging the elements against the wheels, and releasable spring means for rotating the wheels, said what is wheels :being mounted upon the reflector, a

handle for the reflector, said releasable spring means being located in the handle, and a flexible shaft extending from the releasable spring mounted on the reflector, said reflector having openings through which the wheels project, spark producing elements mounted in contact with the wheels, a flexible shaft circumscribing the reflector and having a driving connection with the wheels, and means in the handle for rotating the flexible shaft, said means in the handle consisting of a spring, means for winding and holding the spring and means on the handle for 10 releasing thespring to rotate the flexible shaft.

ROBERT ALEICIS ADAMS. 

